martial
MAR-shuhl
/ˈmɑːrʃəl/
Relating to fighting or war.
While often used in 'martial arts,' it also applies to military law or a warlike spirit in general.
The story behind the word. The word comes directly from 'Mars,' the Roman god of war. In ancient Rome, anything 'martial' was under his divine influence. It evolved through Latin 'martialis' to describe the skills and laws associated with soldiers and combat.
Word relationships
- military: Military specifically refers to the armed forces, while martial is broader and refers to the nature of war itself.
- warlike: Warlike often implies an aggressive desire for war, whereas martial is more descriptive of the state or skill of war.
- civil: Civil refers to ordinary citizens and their laws, the opposite of military or martial control.
- peaceful: Peaceful implies an absence of conflict, whereas martial assumes the presence or preparation for it.
Commonly confused with
- marshal: A marshal is a person (like a fire marshal), while martial is an adjective describing war-related things.
Word family
- martially (adverb): In a martial or warlike manner.
Collocations
- martial arts
- martial law
- martial spirit
Example sentences
- "The martial airs of England have been heard in every corner of the globe." Describing a historical atmosphere.
- "The government declared martial law to restore order after the riots." Referring to legal states.
Memory hook
Think of 'Mars' the planet (named after the god of war) and how 'martial' arts are the arts of war. Mars = War = Martial.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'marshal,' which is a title for an officer or the act of organizing people.
Fun facts
- The month of March is also named after Mars, originally because it was the time of year when military campaigns resumed after winter.
Related words
Explore more words
combativeness, maritime, militant, belligerence, naval, valiant
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